This beautifully illustrated reference guide breaks down the myriad decisions regarding color, font, and symbology that must be made to create maps that effectively communicate the intended message of the mapmaker. "Designing Better Maps: A Guide for GIS Users" demystifies the basics of good cartography, walking readers through layout design, scales, north arrows, projections, color selection, font choices, and symbol placement. Recognizing the need for integration with other publishing and design programs, the text also covers various export options, all of which lead to the creation of publication-worthy maps. "Designing Better Maps" includes an appendix describing the author's popular ColorBrewer application, an online color selection tool.

About the Author

Cynthia A. Brewer is a professor and associate head of the Department of Geography at Pennsylvania State University, where she teaches introductory cartography and map design courses and advises graduate students working in cartography. She has worked as a map and atlas design consultant for the U.S. Census Bureau, National Cancer Institute, National Center for Health Statistics, and National Park Service.